Research on the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself. Covers antiviral trials, antibody neutralization, viral escape, and rapid detection methods.
COVID-19 respiratory droplets spread through air, posing risks to health care professionals. Guidelines offer recommendations to reduce transmission, including PPE use and distancing measures.
Researchers analyzed UK mortality statistics from December 2019 to March 2020 and found a lower death rate compared to previous years. Early social distancing measures, such as hand washing and staying home when unwell, may have contributed to this reduction in deaths.
Studies suggest ultraviolet light is an efficient method to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission in indoor spaces. By irradiating UV-C sources inside ventilation systems, airborne and surface-deposited viruses can be quickly deactivated, protecting millions of workers worldwide.
Researchers show that hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 develop protective immunity against reinfection, while treatment with convalescent serum limits virus replication. The study demonstrates the potential of hamsters as a model for COVID-19 research and suggests a possible effective treatment using convalescent plasma.
A study by Marshall University researcher M. Jeremiah Matson found that higher humidity and warmer temperatures reduce the stability of SARS-CoV-2 in human nasal mucus and sputum. Viral RNA was consistently detectable, while infectious virus was detectable for shorter periods.
Researchers have created nanosponges that can soak up SARS-CoV-2 by mimicking its natural entry points. The nanosponges successfully neutralized the virus and prevented it from infecting cells in a lab setting, offering a potential new treatment for COVID-19.
Researchers will use ICM Pro software and X-ray crystallography to analyze SARS-CoV-2 proteins and identify potential therapeutic drug candidates. This work aims to provide a head start in combating future pandemics by understanding the biology of coronaviruses.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute isolate powerful coronavirus-neutralizing antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients and test their effectiveness in animals, achieving results in under seven weeks. The discovery offers hope for a rapid response to the pandemic and potential clinical trials for treatment and preventive measures.
Several newly discovered human antibodies target the SARS-CoV-2 virus, offering promising therapeutic leads and potential protection against new coronavirus outbreaks. Researchers have isolated hundreds of antibodies from convalescent donors, with some showing strong cross-neutralization capabilities against related bat coronaviruses.
Researchers have identified pairs of highly potent individual antibodies that can simultaneously bind SARS-CoV-2's spike protein, increasing chances against 'virus escape mutants'. The double-antibody approach aims to minimize odds of virus escape and deliver optimal antiviral potency.
Analysis suggests that up to 45 percent of COVID-19 cases are caused by asymptomatic carriers who can transmit the virus for extended periods. This highlights the need for expansive testing and contact tracing to mitigate the spread of the disease.
A team of UGA scientists has successfully demonstrated that a set of drug-like small molecules can block the activity of the SARS-CoV-2 protein PLpro, providing a promising path for new COVID-19 therapeutics. The discovery offers a potential rapid development path to generating PLpro-targeted therapeutics for use against SARS-CoV-2.
A new analysis confirms SARS-CoV-2 RBD as a specific target for antibody tests, with over 95% of patients developing antibodies within nine days. This suggests that RBD-based antigens could be used to estimate SARS-CoV-2 recovery rates and inform pandemic policies.
The new RBD-based antibody test can measure the levels of a unique piece of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, correlating with neutralizing antibodies that provide immunity. This test is highly specific for COVID-19 and can identify asymptomatic virus infections and measure immunity levels in individuals.
A study from Bar-Ilan University has identified immunodominant epitopes from the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, capable of generating both antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses. The seven identified epitopes are present in over 87% of the worldwide virus-affected population and represent potentially effective vaccine candidates.
Researchers detected rising SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in Dutch sewage samples during the early stages of the pandemic, correlating with COVID-19 case numbers. The study suggests that sewage surveillance could serve as a sensitive early warning system for increased virus circulation.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed detailed methods for studying SARS-CoV-2, allowing safe analysis of infected cells. The study enables the examination of viral proteins and host responses to infection outside high-containment facilities.
Authors describe timely and targeted actions to prevent mental health crisis in overextended and stressed essential workers, citing Lorna Breen's tragic loss as a catalyst. The article emphasizes the need for clinicians to prioritize their well-being during the pandemic.
A recent study found that SARS-CoV-2 can induce kidney injury in patients, particularly those with high blood pressure and APOL1 gene variants. The virus triggers an inflammatory reaction, leading to collapsing glomerulopathy and tubular damage, even in the absence of direct viral infection.
Researchers have identified four SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigens that neutralized up to 98% of the virus after two vaccinations, with the RBD antigen showing the most promise for high-affinity antibody production
Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in California patients revealed a complex series of introductions, limiting transmission between communities. The study suggests that social distancing and travel restrictions are crucial to contain COVID-19 spread in the state.
A new study by UCL and Great Ormond Street Hospital found that virus DNA can spread to nearly half of all sites sampled in a hospital ward within 10 hours. The study used artificial DNA replication to simulate how SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing Covid-19, spreads across surfaces.
Researchers at McGill University reviewed available research on SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection tests, highlighting key areas of ongoing research and proposing potential strategies for test implementation. They found that most serologic assays have minimal or no external validation, hindering assay selection and interpretation of results.
A team of scientists from Stanford University has developed a gene-targeting, antiviral agent against COVID-19 using CRISPR technology. The system delivers PAC-MAN into lung cells, neutralizing the coronavirus and stopping it from replicating inside cells.
Researchers found asymptomatic persons account for approximately 40-45% of SARS-CoV-2 infections, emphasizing the need for symptomless testing. The pandemic has highlighted a shortage of infectious disease (ID) experts in the US, with nearly two-thirds of Americans living in counties with below-average ID physician access.
A small study investigates the effect of sample inactivation on SARS-CoV-2 detection and finds that viral inactivation may contribute to false negatives. The researchers tested several inactivation methodologies, including TRIzol, which showed the least effect on RNA copy number, making it recommended for sample inactivation.
A global study found that COVID-19 patients who undergo surgery experience substantially worse postoperative outcomes than similar patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality rates approach those of the sickest patients admitted to intensive care after contracting the virus in the community.
The study found that SARS-CoV-2 infects nasal-lining cells more efficiently than lower-airway cells, suggesting the importance of wearing masks to limit transmission. The researchers also discovered a new reverse genetic platform for SARS-CoV-2, which will support national vaccine efforts.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures slow COVID-19 transmission until around 50°F, but further warming has little impact. A higher UV index also slows growth rate of new cases.
A new study found that post-operative pulmonary complications occurred in half of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgery, resulting in high mortality rates. The study suggests that thresholds for surgery should be raised compared to normal practice.
Researchers identify SARS-CoV-2's entry route into the central nervous system and report neurological complications of COVID-19 in a narrative review. Potential tissue targets are also identified for future research to understand the neuropathogenesis of coronaviruses.
A new study of 84 patients reveals that the first COVID-19 cases in New York City were mainly introduced through untracked transmission from Europe and the US, with limited evidence suggesting a potential Asian origin. The findings also highlight the importance of early and broad testing to identify community transmission clusters.
Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 originated from a bat coronavirus and gained the ability to infect humans through exchanging a gene fragment with a pangolin coronavirus. The virus's genetic material was altered to bind to host cells, making it possible for it to infect human respiratory and intestinal epithelial cells.
A global study found that COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery experience substantially worse postoperative outcomes than similar patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study reported a 30-day mortality rate of 23.8%, with higher rates in men, older patients, and those with severe pre-existing medical problems.
A new study proposes that SARS-CoV-2's emergence was facilitated by genetic recombination among bat and pangolin coronaviruses. The virus' receptor binding motif was introduced through recombination with pangolin coronaviruses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in cardiac surgeries worldwide, with an average of 50-75% decrease in procedures. Hospitals are now working to resume operations while protecting patients and staff from SARS-CoV-2. Experts have developed recommendations for safely resuming cardiac surgery activity.
Asymptomatic individuals can spread SARS-CoV-2 via aerosols, highlighting the importance of mask-wearing and physical distancing. Research estimates that a single minute of loud speaking can generate up to 100,000 virion-containing aerosols, which can remain airborne for hours.
A Canadian study found strong associations between SARS-CoV-2 infection and loss of smell (anosmia) and changes in taste (dysgeusia). The study identified these symptoms as common features of COVID-19, suggesting they should prompt testing and possible retesting for those with negative initial results.
Researchers created a mouse model that produces human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2), the receptor SARS-CoV-2 binds to. The mice exhibited robust viral RNA replication in the lung and brain, as well as interstitial pneumonia. These features replicate those observed in COVID-19 patients.
A joint research team led by Sunney Xie has identified multiple highly potent neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from convalescent plasma. These antibodies provide a potential cure for COVID-19 and offer short-term prevention, marking a major milestone in the fight against the pandemic.
Growing evidence suggests masks can prevent spread of COVID-19 via aerosols. Studies estimate up to 100,000 infectious aerosols can be generated in one minute of loud speaking.
The release of 216 SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Austria provides insights into the virus's transmission cluster and genetic diversity. The data analysis reveals a highly diverse pool of circulating viruses, with some leading to bigger transmission clusters, and identifies key mutations in the viral S protein.
A recent review paper highlights the potential of using wastewater to monitor COVID-19, detecting low levels of virus particles and asymptomatic cases. The method offers several advantages over clinical testing, but challenges include a lack of standardized protocols and knowledge on viral decay in water environments.
Investigating potential adverse effects and antibody-dependent enhancement is crucial for vaccine development. Comprehensive safety tests are necessary before widespread implementation.
The review examines how long immunity to coronaviruses lasts and the prospect of antibody testing. Professors Paul Kellam and Wendy Barclay discuss what is known about immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses, including seasonal strains that circulate in humans every winter.
A case series examines COVID-19 symptoms among residents and staff in an independent/assisted living community, emphasizing the need for SARS-CoV-2 surveillance. The study highlights the risk of outbreaks in these settings and underscores the importance of implementing effective infection control measures.
Researchers have developed a membrane that can be attached to regular N95 masks, improving virus filtration efficiency and extending mask lifespan. The new filter, made from silicon-based material, features nanoporous structure with smaller pore sizes, blocking more SARS-CoV-2 particles.
A new case study reports the first known case of subacute thyroiditis after COVID-19 infection, according to The Endocrine Society. Patients with COVID-19 may experience additional symptoms such as neck and thyroid pain, fever, and an increased heart rate.
New studies in macaques demonstrate protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 after initial infection or vaccination, with vaccinated animals exhibiting similar immune responses to humans. The findings offer promising results for the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and treatments.
The HEROS study will examine the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptom development among children with allergic conditions versus those without. The study aims to fill knowledge gaps on how the novel coronavirus affects young populations.
Researchers at BIDMC developed prototype COVID-19 vaccines that induced neutralizing antibody responses and protected against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaques. The studies also found that individuals who recovered from COVID-19 developed natural protective immunity against re-infection.
Researchers propose a molecular mechanism that causes COVID-19's most destructive complications, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), through a massive release of proinflammatory cytokines triggered by the SARS-CoV-2 virus's entry into human cells via ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 enzyme.
Researchers have discovered a potential coronavirus therapy using structural biology and X-ray crystallography. The study revealed that antibodies derived from SARS survivors can potently block entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells, with one candidate antibody showing promising results.
A study found that SARS-CoV-2 RNA is edited by human deaminase enzymes in patients, influencing the virus' evolution and spread. This process may be targeted with new therapies to combat the virus.
A climate-driven epidemiological model found that population susceptibility is a key driver of the COVID-19 pandemic, with climate factors having a modest impact. The model suggested that even in tropical cities, outbreak growth remained significant despite humid conditions.
Researchers found that patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 produce antibodies that bind to other coronaviruses, but these antibodies are not cross-protective. The study suggests that more research is needed to identify critical virus parts for a cross-protective immune response.
The study reveals the coincidence of biological and social factors, including the Chinese New Year celebrations and increased international mobility, which amplified the outbreak. The authors also emphasize the importance of addressing environmental alterations and human activities related to wild animals to prevent future pandemics.
Serological assays detect SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies in recovered individuals' blood, informing prevalence and immunity questions. Studies must better address the limitations of these tools to inform accurate decisions about deploying the workforce.
Researchers investigated ACEIs/ARBs in adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found no increased risk. The use of these drugs is recommended for patients with COVID-19 unless further data show otherwise.
A study of 3,802 people tested for SARS-CoV-2 found that older age, male sex, deprivation, and ethnic minority status were linked to a positive test result. Chronic kidney disease and obesity also showed significant associations with a positive test.